Handmade Ceramics & Artisan Soap: Meet Kerry Ray of Bubbles & Clay

From Bubbles to Clay

Bubbles & Clay really did begin with the bubbles.

Before my love story with pottery really began, I spent my weekends riding around the English countryside on my motorbike or making small batches of handmade soap.

The bike’s gone now (I swapped two wheels for one), but I still love making soap. I use natural plant oils as the base for all of them, and some are fragranced. My personal favourite? “Butt Naked” - it smells like peaches!

I’m thinking of launching a small soap range soon, and I would love for you to let me know what you think in the comments below!

A few years after the soap obsession began, I fell head over heels for clay. I didn’t set out to start a brand - I just wanted to make things that I love. Things that amuse me, that feel joyful to use, and that don’t take themselves too seriously.

As my “hobby” grew, so did the pile of pots. Our kitchen cupboards overflowed, and anything not quite perfect was banished to the fugly drawer. That drawer eventually became a large box, which was regularly raided by friends and family keen to rescue the Fugly Ducklings (you know who you are!)

Every piece is handmade in my home studio in the English countryside. Most are wheel-thrown with sculptural details, then hand-painted and glazed individually. No two are ever quite the same, and that’s the beauty of handmade pottery. The brushstrokes, the quirks, the fingerprints baked into the clay. It’s real. It’s literally "down to earth".

Inspired by Colour, Texture & Everyday Rituals

My ceramics are inspired by life, which is why I’ve created a few different collections.

Each one speaks to a different part of me - from the tactile simplicity of the Scandi Stoneware range to the Tiny House plant pots, inspired by fairy tales and trips to Ireland and Scotland. I’m a bit of a cheeky potty-mouth, so the Colourful Made-to-Order Mugs reflects that side of my personality. Colourful language was also used when the kiln revealed a few unexpected Fugly Ducklings. And no explanation is needed for the cat mugs!

From Clay to You

As a one-woman business, I do it all, from wedging clay to photographing pots and writing blurbs. I also handle the tech side, including Shopify customisation and SEO, to keep things ticking behind the scenes.

It’s a lot to juggle, but I love it. I get to connect with people who value handmade ceramics, who appreciate the quirks, and who see the charm in a slightly lopsided bowl.

Stay Connected

If you’re new here, welcome. If you’ve been following my journey for a while, thank you. Whether you’re browsing, buying, or just curious, I’m glad you’re here!

Sign up to my mailing list for studio updates, new product launches, and behind-the-scenes stories. And if you ever want to chat clay, colour, or cats - drop me a note.

Here’s to handmade joy, one pot at a time.
Kerry xx